USG CONCERNS ABOUT UNSC MEETING PASSED TO GOM

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000918 SIPDIS FOR IO/UNP ANDREW MORRISON, NEA/IPA ALON SACHAR E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2018 TAGS: KWBG KPAL IS UNSC MO SUBJECT: USG CONCERNS ABOUT UNSC MEETING PASSED TO GOM REF: STATE 102414 Classified By: Political Counselor Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 b and d. 1.(SBU) Polcouns conveyed reftel concerns about the proposed UNSC meeting to MFA Chief of staff Nasser Bourita, currently with his minister in New York. Bourita confirmed that Morocco was looking forward to the Iftar discussion. He undertook to convey points presently to his minister. He could not offer any immediate response because the minister had been forced to leave the Arab League meeting early, so he was unclear as to whether his delegation was fully aware of the final AL position. Separately, Poloff delivered talking points on U.S. concerns to MFA Head of United Nations Division Azzedine Farhane who agreed to forward them to the Foreign Minister. ¶2. (C) Comment: The GOM shares USG concern about settlements, and is aware of USG sensitivities regarding UNSC action on the Middle East. Bourita's response is consistent with our longstanding assessment that, on Middle East issues, the GOM will remain within the Arab League consensus, notwithstanding our very close relationship. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Jackson